Convertible chair, toy, or item

ABSTRACT

An item includes a first portion, a second portion coupled to the first portion, and a flap movable between a first position in which the first and second portions together define a first configuration, and a second position, in which the first and second portions together define a second configuration having a different appearance from the first configuration. The flap includes a first surface having a first face represented thereon, the second portion includes a covering having a second face represented thereon, such that when the flap is in the first position, the first face is revealed on the second portion and the second face is hidden underneath the flap, and when the flap is in the second position, the second face is revealed on the second portion and the first face is hidden adjacent the first portion.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/472,271 filed Mar. 16, 2017, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to stuffed chairs and stuffed toys for children.

Small stuffed or cushioned chairs are known for children to sit on while watching television or participating in other activities. These chairs typically include a base or seat portion that rests upon the floor and upon which the child sits, and a back portion extending from the base portion at an angle to support the child's back. The chairs may be stuffed with foam, other pillow-like material, beans, or other stuffing materials to define the structure of the base portion and the back portion. A covering defines the exterior of the chair. Stuffed animals or toys are also known for children to play with.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention provides an item that includes a first portion, a second portion coupled to the first portion, and a flap movable between a first position in which the first and second portions together define a first configuration, and a second position, in which the first and second portions together define a second configuration having a different appearance from the first configuration. The flap includes a first surface having a first face represented thereon, the second portion includes a covering having a second face represented thereon, such that when the flap is in the first position, the first face is revealed on the second portion and the second face is hidden underneath the flap, and when the flap is in the second position, the second face is revealed on the second portion and the first face is hidden adjacent the first portion.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a stuffed chair having a first cushion portion configured to rest on a support surface and having an upper surface upon which a user sits, and a second cushion portion oriented at an angle to the first cushion portion and having a surface upon which a user's back rests when seated on the first cushion portion. The chair further includes a flap movable between a first position, in which the first and second cushion portions together define a first character, and a second position, in which the first and second cushion portions together define a second character having a different appearance from the first character.

In one aspect, the flap is a flap of fabric that is rotatable in a first direction over at least one of the first or second portions to achieve the first position, and is rotatable in a second direction over at least one of the first or second portions to achieve the second position.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a convertible chair embodying the invention shown in a first configuration representing a first character.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the chair of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the chair of FIG. 1 shown in a second configuration representing a second character.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the chair of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 5A-H illustrate how the chair can be reconfigured from the first configuration to the second configuration.

FIGS. 6A-F illustrate how the chair can be reconfigured from the second configuration to the first configuration.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a toy embodying the invention shown in a first configuration representing a first character.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of the toy of FIG. 7 being reconfigured to a second configuration representing a second character.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the toy of FIG. 7 shown in the second configuration representing the second character.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a chair item 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. The chair 10 is a stuffed chair of the type commonly used by children. The chair 10 includes a first or seat cushion portion 14 having a lower surface 16 (see FIG. 6B) configured to rest on a support surface and an upper surface 18 upon which a user sits. A second or back-support cushion portion 22 is oriented at an angle to the first cushion portion 14 (e.g., generally about ninety degrees, plus or minus twenty degrees) and has a front surface 26 configured to support a user's back when seated on the first cushion portion 14 and a rear surface 28. The cushion portions 14 and 22 are each formed from a fixed cover or covering 30 that surrounds and/or contains some form of stuffing that gives the cushion portions 14, 22 their shape. For example, foam forms, beans, pillows, batting, or other stuffing types may be used to define the cushion portions 14, 22.

A movable cover portion 34, which in the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a fabric flap 34 (see FIGS. 5A-H and 6A-F), is movable between a first position (see FIGS. 1 and 2), in which the first and second cushion portions 14, 22 together define a first character or configuration 38 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and a second position (see FIGS. 3 and 4), in which the first and second cushion portions 14, 22 together define a second character or configuration 42 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) having a different appearance from the first character or configuration 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the first character 38 is a white polar bear with both cushion portions 14, 22 having substantially the same white coloring and pile/plush height, while the second character 42 is a gray wolf, with both cushions 14, 22 having substantially the same gray coloring and pile/plush height. In other embodiments, the characters could include, but are not limited to: a bear, a wolf, a bear, a cow, a cat, a mouse, a monkey, a frog, a unicorn, a horse, a dragon, a lizard, a tiger, a giraffe, an elephant, a hippopotamus, a hedgehog, a turtle, a panda, or a rabbit. In other embodiments, the chair is reconfigurable between different configurations or images of, for example, movie or television characters, animated characters, humans, inanimate objects, fantasy creatures or objects, or other articles, whether real or imagined.

The flap of fabric 34 includes a first end 66 fixed to at least one of the first or second cushion portions 14, 22 along a seam S (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and a second end 70 (see FIGS. 5A-D) free to move or rotate relative to the first and second cushion portions 14, 22 between the first and second positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 66 is sewn to the cover 30 forming the seam S at both sides of the first cushion portion 14 and generally across the front face of the chair 10 at the intersection of the first and second cushion portions 14, 22. The second end 70 includes an elastic member 74 (see FIGS. 5A and 5H—e.g., sewn into the second end 70) operable to help secure the flap 34 in the first and second positions. The elastic member 74 creates some tension in the second end 70 of the flap 34 to help keep the second end 70 taught against the cover 30 in each of the first and second positions. The flap of fabric 34 at least partially defines a reversible pocket 78 (see FIGS. 5D and 6C) into which at least one of the first or second cushion portions 14, 22 is received in the respective first or second positions. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the second cushion portion 22 is received in the pocket 78 when the flap 34 is in the first position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to reveal a first character face 50, and the first cushion portion 14 is received in the pocket 78 when the flap 34 is in the second position as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5E-H to reveal a second character body.

The flap of fabric 34 includes a first surface 46 defining an exterior of the flap 34 when the flap 34 is in the first position. The illustrated first surface 46 includes a representation of a first face or image 50 (e.g., the polar bear face) located at the front surface 26 of the second cushion portion 22, which is configured to support a user's back (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Together, the first surface 46 of the flap 34 positioned over the second cushion portion 22 and the cover 30 of the first cushion portion define the first character or configuration 38 (e.g., the polar bear) when the flap 34 is in the first position. The flap 34 further includes a second surface 54 opposite the first surface 46 defining an exterior of the flap 34 when the flap 34 is in the second position. The second surface 54 includes a representation of a body 58 of the second character 42 (e.g., the wolf body) positioned at the upper surface 18 of the first cushion portion 14 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Together, the second surface 54 of the flap 34 positioned over the first cushion portion 14 and the cover 30 of the second cushion portion 22 define the second character or configuration 42 (e.g., the wolf) when the flap 34 is in the second position. The cover 30 adjacent the front surface 26 of the second cushion portion 22 includes a representation of a second face 62 (e.g., the wolf face), which is the face of the second character 42 (e.g., the wolf).

The representation of the second face 62 and second character body are exposed to view and the first face 50 and the first character body are hidden from view when the flap 34 is in the second position. The representation of the first face 50 and the first character body are exposed to view and the second face 62 and the second character body are hidden from view when the flap 34 is in the first position.

The flap of fabric 34 is movable or rotatable about the seam S to transform the chair 10 between the first and second configurations 38, 42. FIGS. 5A-H illustrate the transformation from the first configuration 38 to the second configuration 42, moving the flap 34 to the second position. FIGS. 6A-F illustrate the transformation from the second configuration 42 to the first configuration 38, moving the flap 34 to the first position.

With reference to FIGS. 5A-H, to reconfigure the chair 10 from the first polar bear character 38 to the second wolf character 42, the flap 34 is grasped at its second or free end 70 adjacent the rear surface 28 and is rotated or pulled in the second direction over the top of the second cushion portion 22 to uncover the second cushion portion 22 by removing the second cushion portion 22 from the reversible pocket 78. This exposes the wolf-like cover 30 of the second cushion portion 22 and the wolf face 62. At the same time, the surface 46 of the flap 34 with its polar bear face 50 becomes the inside of the reversible pocket 78. Then, the first cushion portion 14 is tucked or inserted into the reversible pocket 78 so that the flap 34 covers the first cushion portion 14. At the same time, the surface 54 of the flap 34 with its wolf-like body appearance is exposed to cover the first cushion portion 14. The free end 70 is then pulled down over the lower surface 16 of the first cushion portion 14 until taught. The elastic member 74 then helps to secure the second end 70 in this position.

With reference to FIGS. 6A-F, to reconfigure the chair 10 from the second wolf character 42 to the first polar bear character 38, the flap 34 is grasped at its second or free end 70 and rotated or pulled in the first direction, opposite to the second direction, over the front of the first cushion portion 14 to uncover the first cushion portion 14 by removing the first cushion portion 14 from the reversible pocket 78. This exposes the polar bear-like body cover 30 of the first cushion portion 14. At the same time, the surface 54 of the flap 34 with its wolf-like body appearance becomes the inside of the reversible pocket 78. Then, the second cushion portion 22 is tucked or inserted into the reversible pocket 78 so that the flap 34 covers the second cushion portion 22. At the same time, the surface 46 of the flap 34 representing the polar bear face 50 is exposed to view and covers the front surface 26 of the second cushion portion 22. The free end 70 is then pulled down over the rear surface 28 of the second cushion portion 22 until taught. The elastic member 74 then helps to secure the second end 70 in this position. Children can easily perform this reconfiguration to enjoy both characters 38, 42 of the reconfigurable chair 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the representations of the first face 50 and the second face 62 each include eyes, a nose, and a mouth. Other facial features, including a tongue as shown on the representation of the second face 62, can also be included. Likewise, images can be displayed on the first surface 46 and the second surface 54 of the flap 34 depicting a variety of different objects or characters other than animals and faces.

In the illustrated embodiment, to further enhance the appearance of the first and second characters 38, 42, the chair 10 includes various appendages that can represent features of the characters 38, 42. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the flap 34 includes a first set of appendages 82 coupled thereto that are visible as ears when the flap 34 is in the first position (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The flap 34 further includes a second set of appendages 86 coupled thereto that are visible as feet when the flap 34 is in the second position (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The covering 30, which is distinct from the flap 34, can also include appendages to enhance the appearance of the characters 38, 42. The covering 30 at the first cushion portion 14 has a third set of appendages 90 coupled thereto that are visible as feet when the flap 34 is in the first position (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The covering 30 at the second cushion portion 22 has a fourth set of appendages 94 coupled thereto that are visible as ears when the flap 34 is in the second position (see FIGS. 3 and 4). It is to be understood that while the illustrated appendages 82, 86, 90, and 94 represent feet and ears, in other embodiments in which the characters are different animals, the appendages can represent other features, such as tails, fins, wings, etc. The appendages can be sewn, glued, or otherwise attached to the respective flap 34 or covering 30 at the desired locations.

With the chair 10, the revealed face 50 or 62 of the character or creature is in the same location on the chair 10 and faces in the same direction for both configurations 38, 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the revealed face 50, 62 is always on the second cushion portion 22, and more specifically on the front surface 26. The hidden faces 50 or 62 are in different locations on the chair 10. In the illustrated embodiment, when the face 62 is hidden, it is on the second cushion portion 22 underneath the revealed face 50. When the face 50 is hidden, it is on the first cushion portion 14. This relationship exists due to the face 50 being on the movable flap 34 and the face 62 being on the cover 30 at the cushion portion 22.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention in the form of a toy item 110. The toy 110 is constructed and operates in a similar manner to the chair 10, and like parts have been given like reference numerals in the 100 series. With this embodiment, the first and second portions 114, 122 are not oriented at an approximate ninety degree angle to one another, but instead are oriented or aligned at an approximate one-hundred eighty degree angle to one another. The first portion 114 can represent a body of the creature or character depicted by the toy 110 and the second portion 22 can represent a head of the creature or character depicted by the toy 110, with the toy 110 being in a vertical orientation such that the body portion 114 is beneath the head portion 122. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 7-10, the portions 114, 122 of the toy 110 have a more spherical or ball-shaped form than the portions 14, 22 of the chair 10. The flap 134 operates in the same manner as the flap 34, as is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, to allow the toy 110 to be convertible between a first character or configuration 138 (e.g., a bear) and a second character or configuration 142 (e.g., a dog). The flap 134 is secured at its first end 166 along a seam S that extends partly around the toy 110 at the interface between the body portion 114 and the head portion 122. The flap 134 can again include an elastic member 174 sewn into the second end 170 and operable to help secure the flap 134 in the first and second positions. The elastic member 174 creates some tension in the second end 170 of the flap 134 to help keep the second end 170 taught against the covering 130 in each of the first and second positions.

The same relationships observed with the faces 50 and 62 of the chair 10 also are present with the faces 150 and 162 of the toy 110. Specifically, with the toy 110, the revealed face 150 or 162 of the character or creature is in the same location on the toy 110 and faces in the same direction for both configurations 138, 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the revealed face 150, 162 is always on the head portion 122, and more specifically on the front surface 126. The hidden faces 150 or 162 are in different locations on the toy 110. In the illustrated embodiment, when the face 162 is hidden, it is on the head portion 122 underneath the revealed face 150. When the face 150 is hidden, it is on the body portion 114. This relationship exists due to the face 150 being on the movable flap 134 and the face 162 being on the covering 130 at the head portion 122.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An item comprising: a first portion; a second portion coupled to the first portion; and a flap movable between a first position in which the first and second portions together define a first configuration, and a second position, in which the first and second portions together define a second configuration having a different appearance from the first configuration; wherein the flap includes a first surface having a first face represented thereon, wherein the second portion includes a covering having a second face represented thereon, and wherein when the flap is in the first position, the first face is revealed on the second portion and the second face is hidden underneath the flap, and when the flap is in the second position, the second face is revealed on the second portion and the first face is hidden adjacent the first portion.
 2. The item of claim 1, wherein when the first face is revealed, the first face is oriented in a first direction, and when the second face is revealed, the second face is oriented in the first direction.
 3. The item of claim 1, wherein when the first face is revealed, the second face is hidden underneath the first face.
 4. The item of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second faces includes eyes, a nose, and a mouth.
 5. The item of claim 1, wherein the flap includes a first end fixed to at least one of the first or second portions, and a second end free to move relative to the first and second portions between the first and second positions.
 6. The item of claim 5, wherein first end is coupled to a seam between the first and second portions.
 7. The item of claim 5, wherein the second end includes an elastic member operable to help secure the flap in the first and second positions.
 8. The item of claim 5, wherein the flap at least partially defines a reversible pocket into which at least one of the first or second portions are received in the respective first or second positions.
 9. The item of claim 8, wherein the second portion is received in the pocket when the flap is in the first position, and wherein the first portion is received in the pocket when the flap is in the second position.
 10. The item of claim 1, wherein the flap includes a first set of appendages coupled thereto, the first set of appendages visible as ears when the flap is in the first position, and wherein the flap includes a second set of appendages coupled thereto, the second set of appendages visible as feet when the flap is in the second position.
 11. The item of claim 10, wherein each of the first and second portions includes a covering distinct from the flap, the covering of the first portion having a third set of appendages coupled thereto, the third set of appendages visible as feet when the flap is in the first position, and the covering of the second portion having a fourth set of appendages coupled thereto, the fourth set of appendages visible as ears when the flap is in the second position.
 12. The item of claim 1, wherein the first portion is configured to rest on a support surface and has an upper surface configured for a user to sit on, and wherein the second portion is oriented at an angle to the first portion and has a surface configured to support a user's back when seated on the first portion, such that the item is a chair.
 13. The item of claim 12, wherein the angle between the first portion and the second portion is between 70 degrees and 110 degrees.
 14. The item of claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion are oriented at approximately 180 degrees to one another such that in a vertical orientation, the first portion defines a body of a creature and the second portion defines a head of the creature above the body.
 15. A stuffed chair comprising: a first cushion portion configured to rest on a support surface and having an upper surface configured for a user to sit on; a second cushion portion oriented at an angle to the first cushion portion and having a surface configured to support a user's back when seated on the first cushion portion; and a flap movable between a first position, in which the first and second cushion portions together define a first configuration, and a second position, in which the first and second cushion portions together define a second configuration having a different appearance from the first configuration.
 16. The stuffed chair of claim 15, wherein the flap includes a representation of a first image that is positioned at the surface of the second cushion portion configured to support a user's back when in the first position, and wherein the representation of the first image is hidden from view when the flap is in the second position.
 17. The stuffed chair of claim 16, wherein the second cushion portion includes a covering distinct from the flap, the covering including a representation of a second image at the surface of the second cushion portion configured to support a user's back when the flap is in the second position.
 18. The stuffed chair of claim 17, wherein the representations of the first image and the second image each include a face having eyes, a nose, and a mouth.
 19. The stuffed chair of claim 15, wherein the flap includes a first surface defining an exterior of the flap when in the first position, the first surface including a representation of a first face at the surface of the second cushion portion configured to support a user's back; and wherein the flap further includes a second surface defining an exterior of the flap when in the second position, the second surface including a representation of a body positioned at the upper surface of the first cushion portion.
 20. The stuffed chair of claim 15, wherein the flap includes a first surface having a first face represented thereon, wherein the second cushion portion includes a covering having a second face represented thereon, and wherein when the flap is in the first position, the first face is revealed on the second cushion portion and the second face is hidden underneath the flap, and when the flap is in the second position, the second face is revealed on the second cushion portion and the first face is hidden adjacent the first cushion portion. 